You cannot without peril cease to regulate the army and navy, nor without peril cease to regulate the finances; but there is equal peril in abandoning the rights of citizens, who, wherever they may be, in whatever State, are entitled to protection from the Nation.
On the record
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner warns of the dangers of neglecting the regulation of citizens' rights alongside military and financial matters.
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I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
As the Brotherhood of Man is practically recognized, it becomes impossible to restrict the feeling within any exclusive circle of country, and to set up an unchristian distinction of honor between civil war and international war.
The subterfuges of the politician cannot escape it.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.





